How to Decorate a Handbag

Decorative handbags continue to be popular with a lot of women. However, not every woman can afford to pay the premium prices that are often attached to these fun accessories. Still others want handbags that are tailored to specifically match their favorite clothing. A few want handbags that reflect who they are as an individual. All of this is possible by hand decorating a handbag.

Things You'll Need

• Handbag
• Paints (appropriate to the handbag's material)
• Paintbrushes
• Faux jewels
• Needle and thread

Instructions

1. Determine what type of handbag will be decorated. It is possible to decorate virtually any type of material with the right supplies. However, it might be best to avoid expensive leather bags since it might not be possible to return it to its original condition once tired of the decor.

2. Choose a method for decorating the bag. Depending upon the type of handbag, decorative options might be wide open or somewhat limited. Some decorative ideas include adding handbag jewelry; hand-painting the bag; adding fabric to the bag; adding appliques to the handbag; or adding other embellishments to the bag.

3. Decorate a handbag by adding jewelry. This can be accomplished by purchasing charms that are specifically made for handbags. However, it it also possible to use larger bracelet charms and/or chains to decorate the bag. These items are generally attached to the "O" rings that hold the strap to the bag. Decorative chains can even be strung along the back of the bag by connecting the two ends at opposite "O" rings.

4. Hand-paint a picture or a design onto the handbag with paints that are approved for the bag's specific type of material.

5. Add fabric to a bag. Attach the fabric to the bag with adhesives that are appropriate to the handbag's material. It is also possible to hand sew fabric onto straw and fabric bags. Be sure that any of the fabric's raw edges are hidden either by adding decorative trim to cover them up or by turning them under before adhering the fabric to the bag.

6. Add one or more appliques to the handbag using the method recommended on the specific applique's instructions. Most can be adhered with glue appropriate to the type of materials being used. Iron-on appliques can be used for some fabric and straw bags by using ironing paper between the iron and the handbag. It is also possible to hand sew appliques onto fabric and straw bags.

7. Embellish a handbag with faux jewels like strings of pearls or rhinestones that are strung across the back of the bag from "O" ring to "O" ring. Carefully chose individual gems that might access the bag, attaching them with a gem setting machine or using the right type of adhesive. Hand-sew them on whenever possible in order to help ensure they won't easily fall off the bag. Embellishments can be random or done in a pattern. Mark the handbag with fabric chalk to show where each gem should be adhered. This will make it more difficult to make a mistake in the setting process.

Tips & Warnings

• Choose handbag charms that bring out some personality or reflect the owner's lifestyle choices.

• Normal craft paints are not made to be used on handbags. Look for fabric paints for fabric bags; leather paints for vinyl or leather bags; and metallic approved paints for metallic bags.

• Geometric designs are the easiest type of designs to paint on a handbag. However, animal prints are also popular.

• Almost any type of fabric can be used on straw bags.

• Rich tapestries work better for heavier vinyl or leather bags.

• Choose appliques that represent the owner's personality or lifestyle.

• Chose faux jewels that are relatively flat. Anything two-dimensional will catch on clothing and other items.

• Don't use craft paint to decorate a handbag. Use paints that are specifically made for the bag's material.

• Don't use household glue to adhere items to a handbag. Choose adhesives that are safe for the materials being used.

• Don't use hot glue to attached items to the bag as the heat may ruin the handbag material.